Mechanical performance of inclined Dougong bracket sets under vertical load: Experimental tests and finite element calculation

This paper presents an investigation on the mechanical performance of inclined Dougong bracket sets under the vertical load. Initial inclination angles of Dougongs are determined based on material test results and embedment mechanism theories. Four full-scale Dougongs with different initial inclination angles are tested under the vertical load. The failure patterns, load-displacement curves, load distribution and displacement analyses are...